Former NY Rep. Santos Expresses Prison Survival Fears After Fraud Conviction

Former Republican New York Representative George Santos, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud and identity theft, expressed deep fears for his safety during a recent interview with Tucker Carlson. Santos, who pleaded guilty to 23 federal charges, said he is not streetwise and is concerned about being vulnerable in a violent prison environment, particularly as a gay man, citing alarming statistics about the risks for LGBTQ+ individuals in custody. He described the sentence as akin to a death sentence and conveyed that this could be his last interview, emphasizing his sheltered upbringing and lack of fighting experience. Despite the fears, Santos stated he is too proud to flee the country and intends to serve his sentence, rejecting the idea of escaping despite being labeled a flight risk and having his passports seized. He also disputed the House Ethics Committee's findings that led to his expulsion from Congress, calling the report a political hit piece and criticizing the lack of due process. Santos was expelled from the House in December 2023 after serving nearly one year and becoming the first gay Republican non-incumbent to win a House seat in 2022.